Haka leaves Sonny Bill in tears

Sonny Bill Williams was in tears after his New Zealand teammates paid tribute to him by performing an impromptu haka at the Rugby League International Federation awards after the Sydney Roosters superstar was named player of the year.

The award capped a stunning return to rugby league this season for the player once voted Australia's most hated man in a magazine poll after he walked out on the Bulldogs in 2008 and Williams virtually described his recognition as closure.

"I wasn't really teary until I saw the boys do the haka, that means the world to me," WIlliams said. "All I want is respect. After the way I left the game I lost a lot of respect but this year I just tried to carry myself and get across the real me.

Best player: Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand. Photo: Getty Images

"The biggest thing for me is earning the respect of my fellow players and coaches. I think that is why I was a little bit emotional. You don't get a haka done to you from the brothers for no reason if they don't respect you."

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The idea for the tribute was devised by hooker Issac Luke, who leads the haka for New Zealand before matches and is close friends with Williams after they played together in Jersey Flegg at the Bulldogs.

As Williams went to exit the stage after receiving the award from Andrew Johns and completing an interview with MC and BBC commentator Dave Woods, the New Zealand players stood at the back of the room and performed the haka facing their teammate.

"I can't remember the last time I cried but I was a little bit teary up there just seeing the brothers get up there and show their respect for me," Williams said

"I probably haven't won a lot of awards but it is definitely good to recognised like this. I was quite shocked. But no accolade can beat getting the respect of you boys and that is all I want to do."

The 28-year-old beat Australian centre Greg Inglis and Scotland five-eighth Danny Brough for the award, which was announced at a dinner in Manchester attended by both finals teams and coaching staff.

After joining the Roosters three weeks before the start of the season, Williams spearheaded the club to the minor premiership and grand final glory against Manly.

He then gave the Roosters, NRL and the World Cup a boost by turning down an offer from the New Zealand Rugby Union to re-sign for another season and the dual international said he was glad he made the decision to play in the tournament.

"I have just fallen back in love with rugby league again," Williams said. "When I first came back I felt like I was still a rugby player but now I feel like I am back playing the game I love playing.

"I just feel the way I have carried myself this year I have got a lot of respect back. I guess."

Asked what had been the highlight of the World Cup for him, Williams said: "I guess just seeing the support rugby league has over here...the crowds and that. But for me the brotherhood of the Kiwis, coming back into camp it has been a long time since I have felt that and it has just been an awesome feeling and we have got a strong connection and win or lose this weekend we will be brothers for life."

In taking out the gong, Williams broke an Australian stranglehold on the honour with Billy Slater (2008, 2011), Jarryd Hayne (2009), Todd Carney (2010) and Cameron Smith (2012) previous winners since it was established six years ago.

Williams was one three Kiwis named in the team of the year at a ceremony at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester, along with winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and hooker Issac Luke.

Inglis was named at fullback in the side, while Manly's Clive Churchill medallist Daly Cherry-Evans was named halfback of the year.

Sea Eagles centre Jamie Lyon and Brisbane veteran Corey Parker were the other Australians in the side.

South Sydney and England front rower George Burgess beat out Sydney Roosters backrower Boyd Cordner to be named rookie of the year while older brother Sam was best prop.

Super League player of the year Brough was the five-eighth of the year.

Trent Robinson was awarded coach of the year after guiding the Roosters to the NRL title in his first season in charge.

AWARD WINNERS

Player of the Year: Sonny Bill Williams (NZ)Coach of the Year: Trent Robinson (Aus)Rookie of the Year: George Burgess (Eng)Referee of the Year: Ben Cummins

23 comments so far

No Billy Slater and Cameron Smith in International team!!Yet pundits here have branded Slater world's best player.Whats going on???.

Commenter

hazzar

Date and time

November 28, 2013, 11:30AM

G'day Hazzar, Billy the Kid hasn't been in the best form of his career. I don't think there will be too many raised eyebrows at GI being named the best fullback for 2013. Cheers.

Commenter

Roo

Location

Sydney

Date and time

November 28, 2013, 1:29PM

SBW...a class athlete,who contributed significantly to the delivery of a Premiership to Bondi Junction.....but his lasting legacy will be the positive influence he has had on very large group of Roosters players......by his example he was able to teach them about the discipline and focus required to be elite players

Sonny,I salute you.

Commenter

Artie

Location

Cloud 9

Date and time

November 28, 2013, 11:47AM

Australia has only 4 players in the International Team of the Year. That's a pretty pathetic number given that you blokes think you own the sport. Tiny New Zealand got 3 nominations.

Commenter

Kia Ora bro

Date and time

November 28, 2013, 12:21PM

bro, try telling them that when our secondary schools have a competition most NRL clubs cant wait to get over there to scout the talent, and that they also visit the all blacks to find out how a winning football outfit operates. they also forget why we dont win in australia, turning a blind eye to the NRL sabotaging our national team before a test and officials disallowing our tries. they are slightly more nervous on the level playing field in england, lets hope slater chokes like he did last time

Commenter

south islander

Location

south island

Date and time

November 29, 2013, 5:18PM

So many better players. Sonny is over rated. Did anyone miss him went he went overseas? Nope.

Commenter

PSH

Location

Sydney

Date and time

November 28, 2013, 12:42PM

I think in most peoples world team Greg Inglis would be the first bloke picked, I would definately find room for SBW though.

Commenter

canonrock

Date and time

November 28, 2013, 1:35PM

Well done SBW...we are all so honoured and fortunate to see you back playing The Greatest Game of All - Rugby League, in the prime of your sporting career.